Gazprom: Uefa in talks to cut ties with Champions League sponsors following Russian invasion of Ukraine

Uefa is holding talks with its lawyers about cutting ties with major sponsors Gazprom.

The Russian majority state-owned energy giant has been one of Uefa’s most lucrative partners since agreeing its first sponsorship deal in 2012. Last May, Gazprom signed a further three-year deal that is worth around £33.5m to European football’s governing body.

i understands, however, that Uefa is speaking to its lawyers about ending the partnership in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

It follows Manchester United’s decision to end a lucrative partnership with Russian airline Aeroflot on Friday afternoon. “In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot’s sponsorship rights,” a United spokesperson said. “We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected.”

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Uefa had announced on Friday morning following an emergency meeting of its Executive Committee that St Petersburg had been stripped of the Champions League final, set to be played in May. However, there was no mention of the sponsorship deal with Gazprom.

Sports across the world are being pressured to sever ties with Russia after President Vladimir Putin launched an attack on Ukraine this week.

It is not thought that a final decision on the Gazprom partnership was made during Friday’s Executive Committee meeting but a Uefa spokesperson said: “There will be other meetings of the Exco soon where additional matters will be addressed.”

The governing body confirmed, however, that the Champions League final had been switched to France.

“Uefa wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to French President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis,” Uefa said in a statement.

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“Together with the French government, Uefa will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement.

“At today’s meeting, the Uefa Executive Committee also decided that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams competing in Uefa competitions will be required to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice.

“The Uefa Executive Committee further determined to remain on standby to convene further extraordinary meetings, on a regular ongoing basis where required, to reassess the legal and factual situation as it evolves and adopt further decisions as necessary.”

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